The Ultimate Guide to Styling Your Mens Tweed Jacket
No matter where you go in rural Britain, you’re bound to see someone sporting tweed clothing.
Here at Hollands, we're proud to stock a fantastic range of tweed jackets in our collection of mens country clothing, and one of the questions we get asked the most is, "How do you wear it best?" What’s the secret to not just wearing tweed, but making it truly work for you across all the different parts of rural living?
It’s a great question because, while tweed is an incredibly versatile fabric, its distinctive nature can make it tricky to know what works best. Styling it right takes a little thought to ensure you’re complementing its unique texture and pattern.
So, we're going to show you how to make tweed a true asset in your wardrobe, with our top styling tips for a variety of different occasions.
The Timeless Appeal of Tweed
Tweed has long been tied to British heritage, originating in Scotland as a durable fabric made to handle tough weather and outdoor work. Its natural wool fibres and earthy tones reflected the rugged landscape, making it practical for farmers and landowners alike.
Over the years, tweed has evolved beyond its agricultural roots, gaining popularity among the British aristocracy in the 19th century, when it was used for hunting and shooting sports. Today, it remains just as popular as ever for country sports and outdoor activities, as well as being seen in popular culture and even on fashion runways.
Whether country fashion is new to you or a long-standing part of your wardrobe, a reliable tweed jacket is a must-have for classic style.
The Versatility of a Mens Tweed Jacket
A tweed jacket is one of those rare pieces that can do it all. It’s just as comfortable at a countryside wedding as it is when you’re popping to the local pub. That’s what makes it a real gem for any wardrobe—it adapts to where you’re going and what you’re doing.
For a formal event, you can style it up with a waistcoat and tie, pair with tweed trousers or tailored trousers, and that's your smart outfit sorted.
But here’s the trick: take off the tie, swap the waistcoat for a jumper, throw on some jeans or chinos, and suddenly, you’ve got an everyday look that's great for the farm or around the village.
This means that if you understand how to style tweed, you've got yourself a versatile piece of clothing that could take you anywhere.
Styling Tips for Different Occasions
Styling tweed isn’t always a one-size-fits-all situation. What works for a day in the field won’t always fly at a rural wedding, and vice versa. But that’s part of what makes tweed so brilliant - it’s versatile, and with a little know-how, you can make it work across all sorts of occasions.
Let’s break it down and talk about four key moments where your tweed jacket will shine: formal shoots, rural weddings, country shows, and those everyday moments around the farm or village.
Formal Shoot
When you’re heading to a formal shoot, tradition often calls for the full three-piece tweed outfit. A waterproof tweed coat or blazer, a tweed shooting waistcoat, and breeks are the go-to choice for those who want to stick to that classic country look.
Muted colours like greens and browns tend to dominate, with darker shades being perfect for something like a grouse shoot, where blending into the landscape is crucial.
Here’s how to pull the outfit together:
- Start with a classic tattersall shirt. Pick a shirt colour where the check matches the tones in your tweed jacket to keep the look cohesive.
- Layer a v neck sweater over your shirt and under your waistcoat. Stick to neutral shades like green or brown, or go for something like burgundy for a bit of colour that won’t be too bold.
- Make sure your shooting wellies or boots are not only practical but suit the smart occasion. Add a pair of shooting socks for both comfort and tradition.
- Don’t forget the details: a tweed flat cap is the finishing touch for country pursuits, while a silk tie in a subtle country-inspired print adds refinement without being over the top.
We personally love something like the Laksen Hastings Chatsworth Tweed Coat, which can be paired with other garments from the Hastings collection.
Rural Wedding
For a rural wedding, particularly in the summer months, your choice of tweed jacket should be lighter weight and more breathable, fitting with the season while still maintaining that classic country style.
It’s all about balance—go for a slimmer cut if the wedding leans more formal, or keep it relaxed with a looser fit for a smart-casual look.
Here are a few of our top tips for bringing your outfit together:
- For a summer wedding, choose a light pastel shirt to keep things fresh and season-appropriate. A classic white shirt is always safe, but don’t shy away from lilacs or soft greens. For autumn or winter weddings, opt for deeper tones like navy or burgundy to match the season.
- Smart trousers like chinos in a complementary shade—navy, grey, or even tan—work well with most tweed jackets. Avoid jeans for this occasion; you want to hit that balance between formal and country casual style.
- A pair of loafers or brown leather brogues are perfect for keeping things smart, with enough of a countryside vibe to avoid looking too polished or out of place.
- If you’re going for a more refined look, add a silk tie and/or pocket square in rich colours like burgundy or forest green. For a more relaxed vibe, skip the tie and go for an open-collar shirt.
We’d recommend the Alan Paine Surrey Mens Tweed Blazer for this occasion - it's got that sharp tailoring with a luxurious lining that makes it perfect for country weddings.
Country Show
A country show is the perfect chance to showcase your tweed jacket in a more laid-back setting, but still keep things looking sharp. Comfort and practicality are key here, as you’ll likely be walking around all day and possibly facing unpredictable weather.
Here are a few of our top tips for bringing your more casual outfit together:
- A checked shirt is a great option for a country show, adding a bit of character to your outfit without being overly formal or clashing with the tweed fabric. Opt for tones like olive or burgundy that complement the natural hues of tweed. If it's a cooler day, you might want a crew neck or zip neck jumper over the top.
- Go for dark jeans or chinos, depending on how relaxed you want the outfit to feel.
- Casual shoes like leather boots or wellies are a fail-safe option: practical and weather-proof, as well as being easy to match with your tweed clothing.
For this kind of event, we suggest the Alan Paine Combrook Mens Tweed Sports Blazer. It nails that active styling while keeping you right on track with the country wear appeal.
Everyday Wear
Tweed jackets aren’t just for formal occasions or days out - they’re also a staple for everyday life in the countryside. Farmers often rely on a trusty tweed coat for working in the fields, and you’ll just as easily spot them around the village or in the pub on a Sunday afternoon.
Here’s how to style your tweed jacket for those more casual, day-to-day moments:
- A simple jumper over a checked shirt is a classic choice for underneath your tweed jacket, particularly in the colder months. You might also opt for just the shirt if the weather isn't too bad.
- Match everything with a pair of jeans, corduroy trousers, or moleskin trousers for that laid-back country look.
- For your footwear, you can't go wrong with dealer boots or just your everyday wellies. It doesn't matter if everything looks a bit rugged and well-worn here, that's sort of the appeal!
An excellent choice for your everyday style would be the Hoggs of Fife Kinloch Technical Tweed Field Coat. Designed specifically for the fields, it has practicality and comfort down to a fine art, as well as being easy to pair with the rest of your country clothing.
Summary
From farm work to a day at the races, tweed never feels out of place. It's one of those pieces that, no matter how styles change, will always have a spot in the wardrobe of anyone who appreciates the countryside.
Take a look at our full collection of mens tweed jackets, and if you’ve got questions on fit, fabric, or style, we’re here to help—just reach out, and we’ll make sure you’re all set for any event.
About the Author
Mark Holland has a keen eye for all things men's country clothing. Living amidst the fields and farms, he understands the practical aspects of rural living and the timeless style that accompanies it. His advice reflects a genuine appreciation for the comfort and connection that come with country wear. If you're looking for down-to-earth recommendations, then trust Mark to guide you through kitting out your wardrobe with firm favourites and classic designs.
